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Banana cultivation is increasing gradually in the district as farmers get huge profits due to its low production cost.
Official sources said different varieties of banana grow commercially in the northern district.
Many farmers have achieved prosperity through the commercial farming and sales of bananas in the district, they said.
As both soil and climate of the district are suitable for banana cultivation, farmers get benefits from planting different varieties of banana seedlings.
"We are leaning towards banana cultivation day by day as its plantation cost is low and profit is high," a farmer said.
The Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) in Gaibandha said that banana cultivation would exceed the target in the future. According to DAE sources, 1,018 hectares of land have been brought into banana cultivation in Gaibandha during Kharip-1 and Rabi season this year.
Among them, 5 hectares have been brought into banana plantation in Gaibandha Sadar Upazila, 70 hectares in Sadullapur Upazila, 150 hectares in Palashbari Upazila, 363 hectares in Gobindaganj Upazila, 120 hectares in Sundarganj Upazila, 51 hectares in Saghata Upazila and 04 hectares in Phulchari Upazila.
Meher Ali, who came to sell bananas at Fasitla temporary market in Gobindaganj Upazila, told the Financial Express, "I have been cultivating bananas for a long time. I get more profit from banana plantation."
"A banana stick (kadi) is sold for Tk 150 to Tk 450, depending on size. I maintain my family with banana farming."
Gaibandha DAE Deputy Director Md Khorshed Alam told the FE that farmers get profits by cultivating banana. So, the banana plantation is increasing every year.
Last year, 760 hectares of land were brought into banana cultivation in the district, he added.
"We expect that the banana plantation would increase in the district this year," Mr Alam added.